The situation is a bit absurd in the 5th constituency of Maine-et-Loire. Gilles Bourdouleix announced his withdrawal from the game before going back on his decision. France Moreau announced in turn her withdrawal, her maintenance, then her withdrawal. The only certainty, until the final closing of candidacies, is that of the outgoing deputy, Denis Masseglia.
Will he stand, will he stand down! In the 5th constituency of Maine-et-Loire, in this case that of Cholet, nothing has really been clear since Sunday. The only certainty is the candidacy of Denis Masséglia, outgoing MP, came out on top in the first round with 33.7% of the vote.
Coming in second place, Gilles Bourdouleix, mayor of Cholet and candidate supported by Eric Ciotti and the National Rally, obtained 30.54% of the votes in the first round. In a text message sent to our colleagues at Ouest-France on Monday evening, he announced his withdrawal.
“Disgusted by a nauseating election campaign that insults democracy and our fellow citizens, I have decided to return home. There will be no further comments, other than the appeals concerning the illegalities committed by a candidate.”writes the mayor of Cholet. “I am clear and will not comment further.”he confirmed in a second message.
Finally, this Tuesday evening, he announced that he would remain in the second round.
In 3rd position, with a score of 21.33%, France Moreau, candidate of the New Popular Front, could choose to stay. On the evening of the results, the left-wing candidate initially announced her withdrawal,before deciding, Monday July 1, to continue at the request of the national leadership.
This decision has caused the elected representatives of the left-wing coalition to jump. “This maintenance of the current configuration is not only irresponsible, but above all in total contradiction with the desire that we share to form a republican front as soon as it is necessary to combat the arrival of the extreme right in power.”they write in a joint statement. We are also calling for the withdrawal of candidate France Moreau and we are already announcing that our political organisations are calling for a blockade of the far right.”
Another dramatic turn of events at the end of the day on Monday, France Moreau finally chose to withdraw. “I won’t go any further. At some point, you have to set a limit, a red line that you don’t cross. It’s a personal decision that I explained nationally and that I briefly explained to people locally.” A decision taken before the announcement of Gilles Bourdouleix’s withdrawal.
In the streets of Cholet this Tuesday morning, some voters react to the ambient cacophony. The withdrawal of Gilles Bourdouleix is particularly highlighted: “I don’t vote for the RN at all, but when I think of all his loyal voters, I find that a bit cowardly on his part.”
“Given his popularity, it doesn’t bother me. I’m happy with the vote we’ll be able to take on Sunday, since we won’t have to choose between NFP and the far right. Everything’s fine in Cholet.”says one voter.
“Yesterday, from one hour to the next, everything changed. It’s a bit like the last debates, it’s a bit sad to see thatadds a voter. I don’t know what bulletin will be available on Sunday.
The candidate of the presidential majority, Denis Masséglia, continues his campaign without any qualms. On the agenda, this Tuesday, July 2, are leafleting and discussions with the inhabitants of the commune of Sèvre-Moine. “We have until 6 p.m. to submit the files. Everyone does what they want to do. For my part, I continue to work, to be present on the ground.”he explains.
Asked about the unprecedented situation in his constituency, the outgoing MP preferred to avoid controversy. “I am the only candidate of moderation against the candidates of the extremists”he says.“It is true that for voters it must be extremely complicated to follow what is happening and to be able to make a choice. This is unfortunately bad for democracy.”
Sunday, it will therefore be a Masseglia-Bourdouleix duel in the 5th constituency of Maine-et-Loire.